U.S. patent number 8,613,689 [Application Number 12/888,638] was granted by the patent office on 2013-12-24 for universal exercise guidance system.
This patent grant is currently assigned to Precor Incorporated. The grantee listed for this patent is James S. Birrell, David E. Dyer, David W. Flynt, Brady A. Olason, Autumn L. Stroupe, Brian D. Wilson. Invention is credited to James S. Birrell, David E. Dyer, David W. Flynt, Brady A. Olason, Autumn L. Stroupe, Brian D. Wilson.
United States Patent |
8,613,689 |
Dyer , et al. |
December 24, 2013 |
Universal exercise guidance system
Abstract
An exercise guidance system and method display either a workout
option or different exercise options based on a person's exercise
objectives. In one embodiment, the displayed option or options is
additionally based at least partially upon a metabolic equivalent.
In another embodiment, the displayed option or options is
additionally based at least partially upon the time current
available time for the workout.
Inventors: |
Dyer; David E. (Renton, WA),
Birrell; James S. (Seattle, WA), Olason; Brady A.
(Mukilteo, WA), Wilson; Brian D. (Bothell, WA), Flynt;
David W. (Lake Forest Park, WA), Stroupe; Autumn L.
(Kirkland, WA) |
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Dyer; David E.
Birrell; James S.
Olason; Brady A.
Wilson; Brian D.
Flynt; David W.
Stroupe; Autumn L. |
Renton
Seattle
Mukilteo
Bothell
Lake Forest Park
Kirkland |
WA
WA
WA
WA
WA
WA |
US
US
US
US
US
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
Precor Incorporated
(Woodinville, WA)
|
Family
ID: |
44650895 |
Appl.
No.: |
12/888,638 |
Filed: |
September 23, 2010 |
Prior Publication Data
|
|
|
|
Document
Identifier |
Publication Date |
|
US 20120077641 A1 |
Mar 29, 2012 |
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
482/8; 482/9;
482/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63B
24/0087 (20130101); A63B 22/00 (20130101); A63B
24/0062 (20130101); A63B 22/02 (20130101); A63B
22/0664 (20130101); G16H 20/30 (20180101); G06Q
10/06 (20130101); A63B 22/0605 (20130101); A63B
22/04 (20130101); A63B 22/06 (20130101); A63B
24/0075 (20130101); A63B 2230/045 (20130101); A63B
2071/0625 (20130101); A63B 2071/0675 (20130101); A63B
71/0619 (20130101); A63B 2230/01 (20130101); A63B
2220/833 (20130101); A63B 2230/015 (20130101); A63B
2071/063 (20130101); A63B 2230/70 (20130101); A63B
71/0622 (20130101); A63B 2225/50 (20130101); A63B
21/0051 (20130101); A63B 21/0088 (20130101); A63B
21/0058 (20130101); A63B 2225/20 (20130101); A63B
21/012 (20130101); A63B 2071/0658 (20130101); A63B
2220/30 (20130101); A63B 2230/06 (20130101); A63B
2071/0647 (20130101); A63B 22/0235 (20130101); A63B
2024/0093 (20130101) |
Current International
Class: |
A63B
24/00 (20060101) |
Field of
Search: |
;482/1,9,900-902 |
References Cited
[Referenced By]
U.S. Patent Documents
Primary Examiner: Richman; Glenn
Attorney, Agent or Firm: O'Brien; Terence P. Rathe; Todd
A.
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A method comprising: receiving, with a computing device, a
fitness objective of a person; identifying and storing, with the
computing device, an exercise route of workouts for achieving the
fitness objective, each workout defined in terms at least partially
based on metabolic equivalents; and displaying, with a computing
device, a plurality of different exercise options and their
associated parameters, the plurality of different exercise options
being interchangeable for a same portion of a workout of the
exercise route and being selectable by the person, the workout
parameters for each of the plurality of exercise options being
based at least partially upon a metabolic equivalent of the
parameters for each of the plurality of exercise options.
2. The method of claim 1 further comprising: receiving, with the
computing device, first exercise results data from a first type of
exercise device; converting, with the computing device, the first
exercise results data to a first metabolic equivalent; receiving,
with the computing device, second exercise results data from a
second type of exercise device different than the first type of
exercise device; converting, with the computing device, the second
exercise results data to a second metabolic equivalent; and
adjusting, with the computing device, the route of workouts using
the first metabolic equivalent and the second metabolic
equivalent.
3. The method of claim 2, wherein the first type of exercise device
and the second type of exercise device are selected from a group of
exercise devices consisting of: an elliptical exercise device, a
treadmill, a stair stepper, a cycling exercise device and an
adaptive motion exercise device.
4. The method of claim 1, wherein the plurality of exercise options
includes terrestrial motion and exercising on an exercise
device.
5. The method of claim 1, wherein which of the plurality of
exercise options are displayed is based upon available time for a
workout.
6. The method of claim 5 further comprising: receiving a universal
completion time; determining the available time for the workout
using a current universal time and the received universal
completion time.
7. The method of claim 1, wherein the parameters associated with
the exercise options that are displayed are based upon available
time for a workout.
8. The method of claim 7 further comprising: receiving a universal
time for completing a workout; determining the available time for
the workout using a current universal time and the received
universal time for completing the workout.
9. The method of claim 8 further comprising: receiving a universal
time for leaving a workout facility; determining the available time
for the workout using a current universal time and the received
universal time for completing the workout.
10. The method of claim 9 further comprising: storing a user
profile including a hygiene time allotment, wherein the available
time is determined using the hygiene time allotment.
11. The method of claim 8 further comprising: receiving a universal
time for arriving at a location remote from a workout facility;
determining the available time for the workout using a current
universal time and the universal time for arriving at a location
remote from a workout facility.
12. The method of claim 10 further comprising: storing a user
profile including a plurality of locations remote from a workout
facility; and receiving a selection of one of the plurality of
locations, wherein the location comprises the selection.
13. The method of claim 7 further comprising: displaying a
plurality of workout options, each of the plurality of workout
options having a different combination of different exercise
options and/or different associated parameters, wherein the
different options that are displayed are based upon the available
time for the workout.
14. The method of claim 1, wherein each workout is defined in terms
at least partially based on relative perceived exertion.
15. The method of claim 1, wherein each of the displayed plurality
of different exercise options along with their associated
parameters are interchangeable for the same portion of the workout
while still satisfying requirements of the workout.
16. The method of claim 1, wherein the plurality of exercise
options that are interchangeable and that are displayed for
selection comprises a first exercise option on an exercise device
and a second exercise option selected from a group of exercise
options consisting of: free weights, yoga, aerobics, running,
bicycling, climbing, jogging and walking, each of which is
independent of a stationary exercise machine.
17. The method of claim 16, wherein the second exercise options are
displayed for selection prior to the person completing the second
exercise option.
18. The method of claim 1 comprising determining an equivalency of
each of the exercise options being displayed, the equivalency being
based upon the metabolic equivalents and a determined oxygen
processing efficiency of the person.
19. The method of claim 1 further comprising determining, with the
computing device, and available time for workout, wherein which of
the plurality of exercise options are displayed is based upon the
determined available time for the workout.
20. The method of claim 19, wherein the determining of the
available time for the workout is based upon an estimated time for
personal hygiene following the workout.
21. The method of claim 19, wherein the determining of the
available time for workout is based upon an estimated travel time
for the person to travel to and/or from a workout facility for the
workout.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED PATENT APPLICATIONS
The present application is related to co-pending application Ser.
No. 12/572,444 filed on Oct. 2, 2009 by James S. Birrell, Brady A.
Olason, David W. Flynt, Autumn L. Stroupe and David E. Dyer and
entitled EXERCISE COMMUNITY SYSTEM, the full disclosure of which is
hereby incorporated by reference.
The present application is related to co-pending application Ser.
No. 12/572,448 filed on Oct. 2, 2009 by David E. Dyer, James S.
Birrell, Brady A. Olason, Brian D. Wilson, David W. Flynt and
Autumn L. Stroupe and entitled EXERCISE GUIDANCE SYSTEM, the full
disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference.
BACKGROUND
Individuals often seek to attain fitness goals. However,
maintaining disciplined work out regimens is often difficult due to
sickness, work interruptions and various other changes in
circumstance. In addition, exercise plans or routes for meeting
fitness goals are often inflexible, limiting the individual to use
of a designated form of exercise on a particular exercise machine.
Such plans do not provide an individual with choices, leading the
plan becoming stale and the individual losing interest. As a
result, the fitness goals of an individual are often difficult to
reach.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is a schematic illustration of an exercise guidance system
according to an example embodiment.
FIG. 2 is a rear perspective view of one example of the exercise
device of the system of FIG. 1.
FIG. 3 is a rear perspective view of another embodiment of an
exercise device of the system of FIG. 1.
FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram illustrating the identification of a
fitness index for use in the creation of an exercise route by the
system of FIG. 1.
FIG. 5 is a flow diagram of a method used by the system of FIG. 1
to generate the list rated exercise route.
FIG. 6 illustrates a display of workout options presented by the
exercise guidance system of FIG. 1.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS
FIG. 1 schematically illustrates exercise guidance system 10
according to an example embodiment. As will be described hereafter,
exercise guidance system 10 identifies an exercise route for
achieving one of more fitness objectives or goals using one or more
exercise devices and automatically adjusts the route based upon a
comparison of exercise results or exercise metrics with the
exercise route, user adherence and unplanned or planned user
events. As a result, exercise guidance system 10 takes into account
interruptions or breaks in an exercise regimen such as sickness,
travel, work or life changes interruptions, goal realignment and
other changes in circumstances. For purposes of this disclosure,
the term "exercise route" shall mean a plan, specification, path,
recipe or other step by step directions or instructions for using
one or more exercise activities to make progress towards a fitness
or other exercise objective.
Exercise guidance system 10 includes a plurality of fitness
equipment units or exercise devices 12A, 12B (collectively referred
to as exercise devices 12), input 16, display 18 and controller 20.
Exercise devices 12 comprise exercise machines by which an
individual may exercise by applying force or motion to one or
movable structures associated with exercise device 12. Exercise
devices 12 are configured to sense or measure one or more
attributes of an individual such as body weight, body composition
and heart rate, as well as a means of collecting subjective user
input. Exercise devices 12 are further configured to sense exercise
results comprising the power, force or motion applied by the
individual exercising such as the rate at which foot supports or
swing arms are driven, the rate and incline which a treadmill is
driven, the cadence of the user, and the like. The individual
attributes sensed by exercise device 12 as well as the exercise
results are communicated to controller 20.
In one embodiment, exercise devices 12 communicate with controller
20 in a wired fashion. In another embodiment, exercise devices 12
communicate with controller 20 in a wireless fashion. In one
embodiment, exercise device 12 may communicate with controller 20
using a local area network or communicate using Internet
communication. In embodiments where system 10 includes a single
exercise device 12 and wherein controller 20 is incorporated as
part of the single exercise device, such communication may be made
directly in a wired or wireless fashion, or other transferable
means such as USB flash drives.
FIGS. 2 and 3 illustrate exercise devices 112A and 112B, specific
examples of exercise devices 12A and 12B, respectively. In one
embodiment, exercise device 112A comprises an elliptical machine.
The elliptical machine 112A generally includes foot supports 124,
swing arms 126, one or more resistant sources 128 (schematically
shown), one or more sensors 130, body weight sensor 132, body
composition sensor 134 and the control panel 136. Foot supports 124
and swing arms 126 are configured to be engaged by an individual
who is exercising, wherein the person exercising exerts force or
motion against foot supports 124 and swing arms 126 to move such
structures against a resistance provided by the one of more
resistant sources 128. Resistance sources 130 resist movement of
foot supports 124 and swing arms 126. In one embodiment, resistance
sources 128 may comprise frictional resistance mechanisms, air
brakes, Eddy current brakes, electrical generators or other devices
configured to provide a controllable and adjustable resistance to
such motion. In one embodiment, resistance sources 128 resist
movement of foot supports 124, wherein movement of swing arms 126
is not resisted or wherein swing arms 126 are omitted. The amount
or extent of resistance provided by the one of more resistant
sources 128 is communicated to controller 20 (shown in FIG. 1).
Sensors 130 comprise one or more sensing devices configured to
sense or detect exercise metrics or values such as the speed or
rate at which foot supports 124 and potentially swing arms 126 are
driven by an individual during a workout. Such sensed values are
communicated to controller 20 (shown in FIG. 1). Although
resistance sources 128 and sensors 130 are schematically
illustrated as being located at a rear of the elliptical exercise
device 112A, in other embodiments, resistance sources 128 and
sensors 130 may be located at a front of exercise device 112A or at
other locations.
Body weight sensor 132 comprises one or more devices configured to
detect the weight of an individual. In the example illustrated,
sensor 132 comprises pads or feet which sense the weight of an
individual. The weight of the individual is determined by sensing
the overall weight when a person has mounted exercise device 112A
and subtracting the weight of exercise device 112A by itself. The
detected body weight of an individual is communicated to controller
20 (shown in FIG. 1).
Sensors 134 comprise devices configured to sense a person's heart
rate as well as the percent of body weight that is attributable to
lean muscle mass and body fat. In the example illustrated, sensors
134 comprise handgrips configured to detect individual's heart rate
as well as his or her body composition based upon an electrical
resistance or in other known manners. The detected heart rate and
body composition are communicated to controller 20 (shown in FIG.
1). In other embodiments, weight sensor 132 and/or heart rate-body
composition sensor 134 may be omitted. For example, in other
embodiments, an individual's heart rate may be detected using a
chest strap or other similar sensing device. In such embodiments,
the weight of an individual or his or her body composition may be
entered using input 16 (shown in FIG. 1) or by a connected device
such as a wireless scale.
Control panel 136 comprises that part of exercise device 112A by
which an individual exercising may interact with exercise device
112A. In particular, control panel 136 facilitates the entry of
commands or input of data to exercise device 112A while also
providing feedback output to be person or individual exercising.
Control panel 136 includes various inputs 138 and one or more
displays 140. In one embodiment, one or both of inputs 138 and
displays 140 may serve as the input 16 and the display 18 of FIG.
1. In other embodiments, input 16 and display 18 may be provided by
other structures separate from exercise device 112A.
As shown by FIG. 3, exercise device 112B comprises an exercise
device of a different type as compared to exercise device 112A. As
a result, exercise device 112B provides a different type of
workout. By increasing the diversity of workouts, exercise device
112 enhances the ability of a person to meet his or her fitness
objectives. In the example illustrated, exercise device 112B
comprises a treadmill. In other embodiments, exercise devices 112A
and 112B may comprise exercise equipment other than an elliptical
machine and a treadmill.
Exercise device 112B includes a treadmill belt 150, one or more
resistance sources 152 (schematically shown), one of more sensors
154 (schematically shown), body weight sensors 156, heart rate/body
composition sensors 158 and a control panel 160. Treadmill belt 150
is configured to be engaged by an individual who is exercising,
wherein the person exercising exerts force or motion against belt
150 to move the belt 150 against a resistance provided by the one
of more resistant sources 152 or is required to keep pace with the
treadmill belt.
Resistance source 152 resists movement of belt 150. In one
embodiment, resistance sources 152 may comprise a frictional
resistance mechanism, an air brakes, an Eddy current brake, an
electrical generator or other devices configured to provide a
controllable and adjustable resistance to such motion. The amount
or extent of resistance provided by the one of more resistance
sources 152 is communicated to controller 20 (shown in FIG. 1).
Sensors 154 comprise one or more sensing devices configured to
sense or detect exercise metrics or values such as the speed or
rate at which belt 150 is driven by an individual during a workout.
Such sensed values are communicated to controller 20 (shown in FIG.
1). Although resistance sources 152 and sensors 154 are
schematically illustrated as being located at a front of the
treadmill exercise device 112AB, in other embodiments, resistance
sources 152 and sensors 154 may be located at a rear of exercise
device 112B or at other locations.
Body weight sensor 156 comprises one or more devices configured to
detect the weight or mass of an individual. In the example
illustrated, sensor 156 comprises pads or feet which sense the
weight of an individual. The weight of the individual is determined
by sensing the overall weight when a person has mounted exercise
device 112B and subtracting the weight of exercise device 112B by
itself. The detected body weight of an individual is communicated
to controller 20 (shown in FIG. 1). In another embodiment, the
weight measuring device is a standalone but is connected to the
exercise device wirelessly or in a wired manner.
Sensors 158 comprise devices configured to sense a person's heart
rate as well as the percent of body weight that is attributable to
lean muscle mass. In the example illustrated, sensors 158 comprise
handgrips configured to detect individual's heart rate as well as
his or her body composition based upon an electrical resistance or
in other known manners. The detected heart rate and body
composition are communicated to controller 20 (shown in FIG. 1). In
other embodiments, weight sensor 156 and/or sensor 158 may be
omitted. In such embodiments, the weight of an individual or his or
her body composition may be entered and provided to controller 20
using input 16 (shown in FIG. 1). The person's heart rate may be
sensed using other devices.
Control panel 160 comprises that part of exercise device 112B by
which an individual exercising may interact with exercise device
112B. In particular, control panel 160 facilitates the entry of
commands or input of data to exercise device 112B also providing
feedback output to the person or individual exercising. Control
panel 160 includes various inputs 162 and one or more displays 164.
In one embodiment, one or both of inputs 162 and displays 164 may
serve as the input 16 and the display 18 of FIG. 1. In other
embodiments, input 16 and display 18 may be provided by other
structures separate from exercise device 112B.
As shown by FIG. 1, input 16 comprises one or more devices by which
data or information may be provided to controller 20. Input 16
enables an individual to enter his or her fitness objectives as
well as other attributes such as his or her age, weight, gender,
time available for workouts, frequency per week preferences,
available times or days for working out or types of exercise
machines to be used for achieving his or her fitness objectives.
Input 16 further enables an individual to input requests or
commands to controller 20. In one embodiment, input 16 comprises a
keyboard, mouse, touchpad, touch screen or other input device.
Input 16 may be provided as part of a control panel associated with
one of exercise devices 12 or may be a separate input device such
as an input device associated with another computer, personal data
assistant (PDA) or the like that is in communication with
controller 20.
Display 18 comprises one or more devices by which information or
data may be output or presented to an individual. Display 18
enables controller 20 to provide information such as an exercise
route, exercise parameters, fitness goal objective forecasts and
the like. In one embodiment, display 18 may comprise a display
screen. In still other embodiments, display 18 may communicate
information in other manners such as through the use of light
emitting diodes or audible signals such as sounds of voice
communication. In one embodiment, display 18 may be provided as
part of one of exercise devices 12. In yet other embodiments,
display 18 may comprise a screen provided as part of other devices
separate from exercise devices 12 such as a display associated with
another computer, personal data assistant (PDA) or the like that is
in communication with controller 20.
Controller 20 comprises one or more processing units 22 and
associated memory 24 configured to provide a person or individual
with guidance, motivation and inspirational messaging toward
achieving his or her fitness objectives. For purposes of this
application, the term "processing unit" shall mean a presently
developed or future developed processing unit that executes
sequences of instructions contained in a memory. Execution of the
sequences of instructions causes the processing unit to perform
steps such as generating control signals. The instructions may be
loaded in a random access memory (RAM) for execution by the
processing unit from a read only memory (ROM), a mass storage
device, or some other persistent storage. In other embodiments,
hard wired circuitry may be used in place of or in combination with
software instructions to implement the functions described. For
example, controller 20 may be embodied as part of one or more
application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs). Unless otherwise
specifically noted, the controller is not limited to any specific
combination of hardware circuitry and software, nor to any
particular source for the instructions executed by the processing
unit.
In the example illustrated, memory 24, which provides instructions
to processor 22, includes one or more computer readable programs
26. Computer readable programs 26 comprise computer readable
instructions, such as software code, configured to direct the
operation of the one more processors 22. The computer readable
program 26 are specifically configured to direct the processor 22
to carry out functions or processes including, but not limited to,
(1) receiving a fitness objectives for an individual, (2)
identifying and storing an exercise route for achieving the fitness
objectives of an individual using one or more of the exercise
devices 12, (3) receiving exercise metrics (exercise results data)
from the one of more exercise devices 12, (4) comparing the
exercise metrics with the exercise route and expected results and
(5) based on the comparison, adjusting the previously formed
exercise route. The new adjusted exercise route, which includes
prescribed workout parameters for multiple individual workouts, is
then presented or otherwise displayed to the individual.
As noted above, the computer readable program 26 instructs the one
or more processors 22 to receive a fitness objective for an
individual. Examples of fitness objectives include, but are not
limited to, weight management, fitness management, event
preparation and performance enhancement. With the weight management
objective, the goal is to attain or maintain the desired weight.
With a fitness management objective, the goal might be to attain or
maintain a certain level of fitness as measured various
physiological markers such as an individual's heart rate given a
predefined workout intensity, blood pressure, etc. An event
preparation objective might be to prepare for a specific exercise
event or competition such as a future race, bicycling event or the
like. Finally, a performance enhancement objective might be to
achieve or maintain a certain speed or other exercise metric on a
particular exercise device or while performing a specific modality
or activity.
Once a fitness objective has been received, processor 22, following
instructions provided by the computer readable program 26,
identifies and stores an exercise route for achieving the fitness
objective using one or more of the exercise devices 12. To do so,
processor 22 may provide prompts or inquiries via display 18 (as a
part of the exercise device or as a separate display) requesting
that the individual input certain individual attributes such as his
or her age, weight, gender, time available for workouts, frequency
per week preferences, preferred exercise devices the date at which
the fitness objectives are to be met, and answers to other
pertinent questions. Controller 20 may further request information
such as the person's weight and body composition. Alternatively,
this information may be obtained directly from the exercise device
if equipped with such sensors.
In addition to requesting the input of such information, controller
20 may also request that the individual complete a fitness
evaluation test. In particular, controller 20 may display a fitness
test parameter for one of exercise devices 12. Exercise parameters
include, but not limited to, a certain speed or rate for a certain
duration, a certain level of resistance or a workout intensity.
Alternatively, controller 20 may control the exercise device 12
being used for the test such that the noted parameters are set.
During exercise by the person as part of the test, controller 20
receives fitness test metrics or the exercise results. In one
embodiment, such results are in the form of a heart rate at the
prescribed test intensity levels. During the test, exercise device
may further detect the individual's body composition and body
weight. These values are also communicated to controller 20. At the
conclusion of the test workout, controller 20 may ask the
individual for his or her assessment of whether the test workout
was easy, moderate or hard. As schematically represented by FIG. 4,
controller 20 uses each of the test results (heart rate) and sensed
attributes (body weight 32 and body composition 34), controller 20
assesses a fitness level or fitness index 36 of the individual and
uses the fitness level 36 to identify or create the exercise
route.
In particular embodiments, controller 20 may utilize other input or
historical information in forming or identifying an exercise route.
For example, in one embodiment, controller 20 may additionally
include a communication interface 28 by which controller 20 may
communicate and receive data or input from external sources. For
example, in one embodiment, controller 20 may receive input or
historical data from the user, a physician, health care provider,
or personal trainer (identified by the individual using input 16)
via the communication interface 28. For example, when creating the
exercise route, controller 20 may automatically correspond and
communicate with a medical record (located at a server of a doctor
or health care provider) to gain additional input. In particular
embodiments, controller 20 may request authorization the input 16
to gain authorization or access to such data.
Controller 20 stores the identified or generated exercise route and
presents the exercise route to the individual via display 18. The
generated exercise route may be stored as part of a user profile
which may be uploaded to exercise devices 12 by a USB, wireless or
wired connection. In particular embodiments, controller 20 may
further be configured to automatically transmit or forward the
prescribed exercise route as well as exercise objectives to the
physician or health care provider.
For purposes of this disclosure, the term "exercise route" means
one or more prescribed workout parameters (the parameters of an
individual workout) and the frequency (i.e. number of times per
week) of each prescribed workout on one or more of exercise devices
12. The exercise route may include individual workout parameters,
weekly groupings of workouts and collections of weekly groupings.
An exercise route provides an exercise regimen for an individual.
An excise route may include multiple distinct types of workouts
including, but not limited to, rest (active recovery), active
regeneration, lower aerobic, upper aerobic, aerobic power,
anaerobic crossover, aerobic power and maximum anaerobic type
workouts. In some embodiments, the individual may have the option
of selecting or overriding an exercise route. In other embodiments,
controller 20 may automatically adjust at least some of the
settings of the exercise device to match the exercise parameters or
workout parameters of the exercise route based upon where along the
route the individual presently resides.
During an individual workout, controller 20 receives exercise
metrics or exercise results from a particular exercise device 12.
As noted above, such exercise results may include the level of
resistance applied by resistance sources 128, 152 (shown in FIGS. 2
and 3) the intensity of the workout, the rate or speed at which the
movable members of the exercise device are driven or moved, the
duration of the workout or duration of portion or segments of the
workout at different intensity levels or different settings, the
sensed or detected heart rate of the individual or other metrics or
Values associated with the workout. During an individual workout,
controller 20 may further receive updated results for the
individual's body composition and body weight.
Using the received exercise results, controller 20 forms a
comparison of the specific exercise results with the expected
exercise results based on the recommended exercise route. Based
upon this comparison, controller 20, following the instructions of
computer readable program 26, adjusts the route. In one embodiment,
the adjustment of the route may be further based upon additional
input received via communication interface 28 from a physician,
health care provider, personal trainer or other information
provider.
In one embodiment, such route adjustment may be based upon a degree
of compliance to the route. For example, if the individual
exercising consistently produces exercise results that are
substantially out of compliance and not meeting the prescribed
levels of the exercise route, controller 20 may lessen the
intensity and lessen the frequency of workouts. The route
adjustment may result in a delayed estimated date for attaining the
fitness objective. Alternatively, if the individual exercising
consistently outperforms the route, controller 20 may increase the
intensity, frequency or other parameters of the workouts. In one
embodiment, controller 20 is configured to provide the individual
with a fitness forecast using the route. Such a fitness forecast
tells individual at what time there dates his or her fitness level
will achieve certain standards presuming that the route is
followed.
FIG. 5 illustrates one example process 200 by which exercise
guidance system 10 creates and adjusts an exercise route 202. As
indicated by step 210, system 10 initially may create profile which
includes such attributes as an individual's age, gender, height,
fitness history and participation plan. Such information may be
acquired from the person's physician or health care provider.
As indicated by step 212, system 10 further proceeds with data
collection regarding a person's weight and body composition. This
data collection may be achieved using input 16 or may be achieved
using various sensors on an exercise device. As indicated by step
214, during a workout, system 10 obtained additional fitness
assessment information such as a person's heart rate or metabolic
equivalent (Mets). Based upon all of the collected data, system 10
generates the illustrated exercise route 202.
Exercise route 202 (also referred to as a "plan path") includes a
multitude of individual workouts 220 (illustrated as nodes). After
each workout, or after a predefined minimum number of workouts (to
reduce continual adjustment of an exercise route), system 10
adjusts the exercise route. Such adjustment may be such that the
excise route is more difficult or alternatively is easier.
The exercise route 202 may be adjusted based upon other factors as
well. For example, if controller 20 identifies a trend or pattern
of the individual cutting short the duration of each workout,
controller 20 may automatically adjust the duration of each workout
to better accommodate the individuals' limited time or time
demands. In one embodiment, controller 20 may provide the
individual with an option of either delaying or prolonging the date
for his or her fitness objectives being met or may request to
increase the intensity or frequency of the shorter time
workouts.
In addition to determining or identifying an exercise route for
achieving one of more fitness objectives or goals and automatically
adjusting the route based upon a comparison of exercise results or
exercise metrics with the exercise route, user adherence and
unplanned or planned user events, input 16, display 18 and
controller 20 (serving as a computing device) also provide a person
or individual exercising with enhanced flexibility or an increased
range of options along the route for pursuing fitness objectives or
goals. Rather than dictating to the person what individual exercise
devices must be used and what specific settings or parameters
(resistance level, speed, and the like) must be used for a
particular workout 220 of the route 202 (shown in FIG. 5),
controller 20 provides or displays to the person about to exercise
different options for satisfying the requirements of the workout
220 and the requirements of route 202 from which the person may
select. The displayed exercise options are interchangeable for a
same portion of the workout 220. For example, a person about to
exercise during one of workouts 220 (shown in FIG. 5) may be
provided with different choices for the workout. He or she may
choose from amongst different workout options potentially having
different exercise options or the same exercise options with
different settings or parameters associated with each option.
For purposes of this disclosure, the term "exercise option" means a
type of exercise such as exercising on one or more different
exercise devices, such as exercise devices 112A and 112B, shown in
FIGS. 2 and 3, respectively, or using other exercise machines or
devices (stair stepper, cycling exercise device, adaptive motion
exercise device and the like) and/or exercising by using free
weights, terrestrial motion, yoga, aerobics or other exercise
activities which may or may not utilize exercise machines per se.
For purposes of this disclosure, the term "terrestrial motion"
means running, bicycling, climbing, jogging or walking independent
of an stationary exercise machine such as a treadmill, elliptical
machine, stationary cycling device, stair stepper, or adaptive
motion exercise machine. Adaptive motion exercise machines are
those machines that provide different instantaneously changeable
paths of motion depending upon force applied to the machine by the
person exercising. Exercise metrics or results from such
terrestrial motion or other exercise activities independent of
exercise machines may be provided to controller 20 by either direct
input from a person exercising through input 16 (shown in FIG. 1)
or downloads of metrics obtained and stored by other sensing
devices carried by the person exercising or traveling bicycle
during exercise such as blood pressure sensing devices or distance
sensing devices such as global positioning sensing watches or shoe
inserts and the like.
Each of the exercise options may have the same or different
exercise option parameters. For purposes of this disclosure, an
exercise option "parameter" means the adjustable or variable
settings and time duration of exercise with the particular exercise
option. Examples of parameters include, but not limited to,
resistance settings, motion paths, movement heights, travel
distances, acceleration rates, speed rates, distances and time
durations. Parameters for an elliptical exercise device (a first
exercise option) may include resistance, speed and a time duration
for each of the different resistance and speed portions. Parameters
for an adaptive motion exercise device may include resistance,
speed, one or more selectable motion paths (paths through which a
person's feet or arms move while in engagement with the device),
overall duration and duration for each different chosen resistance,
speed or path. Parameters for terrestrial motion, such as a run (a
second exercise option), may include one or more of speed, distance
or elevation change.
To facilitate the identification of workout options for a
particular workout 220 along route 202 (shown in FIG. 5) that may
be selectively interchanged while not substantially impacting the
overall route 202 for achieving the person's exercise or fitness
objectives, controller 20 defines each workout 220 or portions of
each workout 220 in terms at least partially based on universal
exercise measurement metrics such as metabolic equivalents (also
known as METS). Because route 202 and its individual workouts 220
are defined by controller 20 using a common denominator of a
metabolic equivalent (METS), multiple exercise options and multiple
different exercise option parameters may be easily identified as
being interchangeable for a workout 220 or portions of a workout
220. In some embodiments, workout 220 of route 202 may additionally
be defined based upon a level of relative personal or perceived
exertion which is based upon metabolic equivalents and an oxygen
processing efficiency of the person, VO.sub.2 max. In one
embodiment, relative perceived exertion is defined by 1/(VO.sub.2
max * MET).
In addition, during a workout, controller 20 converts exercise
metrics or exercise results data from multiple different exercise
options (types of exercise devices or types of terrestrial motion)
to the common denominator of metabolic equivalents prior to
adjusting route 202 for subsequent future workouts 220. Controller
20 then adjusts route 202 of workouts 220 using the metabolic
equivalents from the exercise results of each of the different
exercise options are exercise devices. As a result, exercise
results from different exercise options or different exercise
devices may be more easily integrated into adjustments to the plan
or route 202.
FIG. 6 illustrates one example of the display of different workout
options for a workout 220 (shown in FIG. 5) by display 18 under the
direction of controller 20 (shown in FIG. 1). FIG. 6 illustrates
the presentation of 10 different workout options row 300-318 by
display 18 (shown in FIG. 1). Each of the options 300-318 are
interchangeable and are selectable by a person for workout 220.
Options 300-304 correspond to a first exercise option O.sub.1,
wherein each option 300-304 has different parameters P for the
particular exercise option. Options 306-308 correspond to a second
exercise option O.sub.2 different than the first exercise option O.
Each of Options 304-306 has different parameters P. Options 310 and
312 correspond to a second exercise option O.sub.3 different than
the first exercise option O.sub.1 and the second exercise option
O.sub.2. Each of Options 310 and 312 has different parameters P.
Options 314-318 have different combinations of multiple exercise
options O.sub.1-O.sub.4. In one example, option O1 may comprise
exercise on an elliptical machine. Option O.sub.2 may comprise
exercise on a treadmill. Option O.sub.3 may comprise a terrestrial
motion exercise. Option O.sub.3 may comprise exercise on an
adaptive motion machine. In other embodiments Options
O.sub.1-O.sub.4 may comprise other forms of exercise. In other
embodiments, the workout options may include greater than free
exercise options. In other embodiments, controller 20 may identify
and cause display 18 to present a greater or fewer of such workout
options.
In addition to presenting interchangeable workout options that may
be selected by a person while still allowing a person to progress
towards his or her fitness objectives, controller 20 may also
determine and present workout options best suited to the available
time a person has for the particular workout 220. Due to the hustle
and bustle of present-day life, many individuals they often arrive
late to or need to depart early from a workout facility. The
initially planned and anticipated workouts cannot be performed in
the reduced amount of time that they have available. As a result,
the workouts are cut short and the person fails to stay on track
with route 202.
However, controller 20 takes into account the persons available
time for a particular workout and determines particular workout
options that may be performed in a shorter period of time while
still allowing a person to stay on track with route 202. For
example, controller 20 may identify different workout options using
different, possibly more intense, exercise options or may adjust
the parameters for the same previous exercise option so as to be
more intense source to accommodate the shorter available time. In
other circumstances where the person may have additional time than
previously anticipated, controller 20 may identify workout options
having different exercise options or the same exercise option with
different parameters. As a result, controller 20 facilitates an
optimal use of available time for the person exercising.
According to one embodiment, controller 20 may request or otherwise
obtain a universal time value which defines the available amount of
time for the workout. For purposes of this disclosure, a "universal
time" means a time value based upon rotation of the earth and is
not a time duration or period. Examples of universal time include
11:00 PM CST, 1:25 AM PST and the like. In one embodiment,
controller 20 may prompt a person about to exercise for universal
time comprising a universal time for completing the workout, a
universal time for leaving a workout facility or a universal time
for arriving at a location remote from a workout facility. For
purposes of this disclosure, a "workout facility" is a location
where an exercise activity takes place such as a gym, health club
or a person's residence. Based on this input universal time and the
current universal time, controller 20 determines the available time
for the workout and using this available time determines or
identifies workout options that meet the person's objectives for
the particular workout 220 (as prescribed by route 202) in the
persons available time.
In another embodiment, instead of prompting the person about
exercise for the universal time value to be used to determine the
available time, controller 20 may alternatively consult a user
profile for this universal time. For example, a person may create a
universal profile, stored in memory 24, which provides the person's
itinerary or schedule for the particular day or multiple days.
Instead of being stored in memory 24, controller 20 may
alternatively access and obtain this universal time in a wired or
wireless fashion from an external scheduling device of the person
such as the person's personal data assistant, computer calendar or
the like. When the person indicates his or her presence through
input 16 or through other presence sensors (either at the workout
facility or at a particular exercise device), controller 20 may
automatically consult memory 24 or the external scheduling device
to obtain the universal time at which the person is scheduled to
complete the workout, a universal time at which the person is
scheduled for leaving the workout facility or a universal time at
which the person is scheduled for arriving at a location remote
from a workout facility. The available time is then determined by
controller 20 using the future universal time and the present
universal time, wherein controller 20 suggests and presents workout
options based upon the determined available time.
In one embodiment, controller 20 may base its determination of the
available time upon additional factors input by the person using
input 16, obtained from a person or user profile in memory 24 or
another memory, or obtained from an external scheduling device. For
example, in circumstances where the universal time is the time for
leaving the workout facility rather than merely completing a
workout, controller 20 may base its determination of additional
time using a persons hygiene time allotment (the expected time
required for a person to cool down, shower and change clothes
following a workout) as stored in the personal profile or contained
in an external data source.
In circumstances where the universal time is a time for arriving at
a remote location, controller 20 may base its determination upon an
estimated time for traveling from the workout facility to a
particular remote location. In one embodiment, controller 20 may
consult a user profile including a plurality of locations remote
from a workout facility that the person exercising frequently
travels to following a workout. For example, the user profile may
include addresses for a person's home, place of work, a commercial
site or other locations. Prior to the person beginning his or her
workout, controller 20 may present the various potential remote
locations, wherein the person may be prompted to select one of the
locations in which he or she intends to travel after the workout.
Using mapping or travel applications or software (either stored in
memory 24 or through an Internet source such as MAPQUEST mapping
service), controller 20 may determine an estimated time for travel
from the workout facility to the selected remote location. In some
embodiments, controller 20 may additionally consult sources of
traffic data to further adjust the estimated amount of travel time
required and current or expected traffic conditions. In other
embodiment, the person may input an estimated travel time from the
workout location to one or more remote locations, wherein such
travel times are stored in memory 24 or other memory locations.
By way of example, in one embodiment, a person may arrive at a
workout facility at 5:00 PM and indicate that he or she must
complete the workout by 5:50 PM. Controller 20 determines that the
person has 50 minutes of available workout and would present
workout options that fit within the 50 minutes of available time.
In another embodiment, a person may arrive at a workout facility at
5:00 PM and indicate that he or she must leave the workout facility
by 6:15 PM. After consulting the user profile indicating that the
person usually requires 10 minutes for personal hygiene time
following a workout, controller 20 determines that the person has
55 minutes of available time for the workout and presents workout
options that fit within the 55 minutes of available time.
In yet another embodiment, the person may arrive at a workout
facility at 5:00 PM and indicate that he or she must return home by
7:00 PM. After consulting the user profile indicating that the
person usually requires 10 minutes for personal hygiene time
following a workout and that the travel time between the workout
facility or location and the persons residence is 45 minutes given
the expected traffic conditions, controller 20 determines that the
person has 65 minutes of available time for the workout and
presents workout options that fit within the 65 minutes of
available time. These are but a few examples of how controller 20
may facilitate optimal use of the person's available time for
staying on track with his or her exercise objectives for a
particular workout while also reducing the person's worry and
stress about meeting appointments.
Although the present disclosure has been described with reference
to example embodiments, workers skilled in the art will recognize
that changes may be made in form and detail without departing from
the spirit and scope of the claimed subject matter. For example,
although different example embodiments may have been described as
including one or more features providing one or more benefits, it
is contemplated that the described features may be interchanged
with one another or alternatively be combined with one another in
the described example embodiments or in other alternative
embodiments. Because the technology of the present disclosure is
relatively complex, not all changes in the technology are
foreseeable. The present disclosure described with reference to the
example embodiments and set forth in the following claims is
manifestly intended to be as broad as possible. For example, unless
specifically otherwise noted, the claims reciting a single
particular element also encompass a plurality of such particular
elements.
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